Share

Lucas Sithole lauded on arrival home

Cape Town - Three South African wheelchair tennis stars - Lucas Sithole, Kgothatso Montjane and Evans Maripa - were lauded on Monday afternoon by Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula when they arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from the Australian Open.

Mbalula was speaking at a media briefing after the world No 3 Sithole returned from the Australian Open, where he clinched the quads doubles title with partner American David Wagner last week.

The duo defeated second seeds Andy Lapthorne (GBR) and Dylan Alcott (AUS) 6-1, 6-3 in a 1-hour battle at Melbourne Park to record Sithole’s first Grand Slam doubles title.

“Lucas Sithole continues to make our country proud demonstrating that nothing is impossible. It is for these reasons that he was honoured amongst our top South African athletes at the Sport Awards. It was not my first time to welcome Lucas at the airport and will certainly not be my last as he continues to exceed our expectations with his performance,” Mbalula said.

After commending Sithole, the Sports Minister also gave credit to the country women’s top ranked Montjane who secured two titles in Australia ahead of the Australian Open and also applauded Maripa for the hard work and representing the country with pride.

Airports Company South Africa Group Executive - Corporate Affairs Refentse Shinners said they will continue to elevate the stature of wheelchair tennis in South Africa and to fly the South African flag on the world’s most elite sporting stages.

“As Airports Company South Africa, we are very excited to be celebrating this very momentous milestone and achievement of South Africa’s top wheelchair tennis stars. This huge achievement that we are celebrating today shows what can be achieved when we all collaborate as stakeholders towards one common goal,” said Shinners.

“To Lucas Sithole, once again well done! You are an inspiration to many sportsmen and women, to many young people and to all South Africans,” added the game sponsor representative Shinners.

Lucas Sithole back after his arrival from the Australian Open at OR Tambo International Airport (Reg Caldecott)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE